Through a grant from the Nebraska dept of Environment and Energy, a new dual electric car charging station has been installed at the Cobblestone Inn & Suites of Cambridge.
The unit came from a company in California and is a Chargepoint level 2 charger. Chargepoint is the leading manufacturer of EV charging stations. Through the Nebraska grant, the unit is the 2nd to have completed the installation process so far.
Level 2 chargers use less electricity although they take longer, which makes placing it at the hotel the best choice. Guests can stay overnight or have the option of relaxing at the bar in the hotel or at the truck stop for a bite to eat.
The grant was a 50% match with 25% additional coming from NPPD and the other 25% from Cambridge Economic Development. River Valley provided the installation and manager Judy McCune set up the apps. This was a first for all, as no other station is in Southwest Nebraska.
The rebate grant was funded under the Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Environmental Mitigation trust and will fund many charging stations across the state, with the vast majority in the metro areas.
The idea behind applying for the grant was to put Cambridge on the map in an effort to build awareness not only for the hotel, but for the community. Owners of electric cars or hybrids rely on apps to travel. Most electric cars have a 280-mile range that are dependent on many factors. Now with an EV charging station in Southwest Nebraska, folks can travel Hwy 6/34 with the next station in Brush, Colorado.
The first car to use the unit was a Tesla on October 2. The unit is self-sufficient and the staff were unaware until the guests left that they had used it, missing a photo op.
Twin Valley Public Power and the Cobblestone are hosting an open house on October 14 from 4-6 pm to celebrate their 5th anniversary and to showcase the EV charging station. NPPD will be bringing their electric vehicle and TVPPD will provide information on incentives to purchasing. Appetizers, beverages and prizes will be available and the community is welcome to attend.